It began as Armistice Day in the aftermath of World War 1, in which hostilities formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. In 1954, the day became known as Veterans Day to honor all veterans who have served the nation.

Decades later, those who served were honored, celebrated and remembered at Community Hall in Sun City Center. The procession of speakers and honorees was lead by a drummer and included Commander Ed Socha (US Navy-Ret), a veteran from the attack on Pearl Harbor. The East Bay JROTC provided the color guard and music was provided by the Trinity Singers. LTC Paul Wheat (US Army-Ret) provided the introduction and the keynote speaker was Dr. Nicholas J. Steneck, M.A., PhD, assistant professor of history and chair of the Department of History and Political Science at Florida Southern College in Lakeland.

TAPs was played by bugler Rev. James Feist, the invocation and benediction were provided by Dr. Ron Churchill of Trinity Baptist Church with the musical postlude provided by Jeff Norman of Fletcher Organ Studios.

Officers from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and State Senator Ronda Storms were in attendance as special guests.

The event, A Tribute to Our Community’s Veterans, was sponsored by the combined military veterans organizations in the community. It was a day of remembrance for those veterans still among us, a day of gratitude for service, sacrifice and the nation. On Veterans Day and on every day, thank you veterans for your sacrifice and for keeping this nation free.